What Is Nuru Massage?
"Nuru" is a Japanese word, usually translated as slippery or smooth. Nuru massage takes its name from the slick, clear gel used in it, and the style is closely associated with Japan.
This guide covers where the term comes from, what people usually mean by it, and how a sensual massage at Aphrodite Studios in Durbanville compares.
Where the word comes from
In Japanese, nuru describes something slippery or slick to the touch. The name refers to the gel at the heart of the style: smooth, clear and odourless, and often described as being made from seaweed extract.
What people usually mean by it
In common use, nuru massage describes a full-body massage using that gel, in which the masseuse uses her body as well as her hands. Online, the term is also used loosely and often with a sexual meaning, so two people using the same word can mean quite different things.
Sensual and sexual are not the same
Whatever the label, the question that matters is whether a massage is sensual or sexual. A sensual massage is about the senses: warmth, slow touch, breath and time. A sexual service is defined by a sexual act.
Sensual massage lives entirely on the first side of that line.
How Aphrodite Studios compares
Aphrodite Studios offers sensual massage with warm oil, in private suites, led by the practitioner. She sets the pace and holds the limits of every session.
Every session
- Begins with breath, so your body has time to settle before the massage starts.
- Uses slow, warm, unhurried touch with warm oil.
- Takes place in a private, temperature-controlled suite, with a private shower before and after.
- Is priced by duration only, so you know the cost before you arrive.
- Is booked by appointment on WhatsApp.
Not a sexual service. A sensory one.
The sessions
- The Sensual Classic: the signature session. Full body, slow and warm, led by your practitioner.
- The Aphrodite Deluxe: the Classic deepened, with more time and a breath-led, practitioner-led connection element.
- Four Hand: two practitioners working in one rhythm, as a Classic or a Deluxe.
- Hot Stone: warmed stones with the Classic or the Deluxe, 60 or 90 minutes, booked in advance.
- Swedish: a non-sensual, therapeutic massage from the separate therapeutic menu.
| Session | 30 min | 60 min | 90 min |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Sensual Classic | R900 | R1,200 | R1,800 |
| The Aphrodite Deluxe | R1,200 | R1,500 | R2,000 |
| Four Hand Classic | R1,800 | R2,400 | R3,600 |
| Four Hand Deluxe | R2,400 | R3,000 | R4,000 |
| Hot Stone Classic | Not offered | R1,500 | R2,000 |
| Hot Stone Deluxe | Not offered | R2,000 | R2,500 |
| Swedish (therapeutic) | R700 | R1,000 | R1,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nuru a Japanese word?
Yes. It is usually translated as slippery or smooth, after the gel the style is known for.
Who leads the session?
Your practitioner. She sets the pace and the limits, and you can ask her to change the pressure or pace at any point.
How is the price worked out?
By duration only: 30, 60 or 90 minutes. The price on the menu is the price of the session.
How do I book?
Message us on WhatsApp with your preferred session, practitioner and time. Bookings are essential. The studio is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday, 9am to 2pm.
Where touch slows down
Choose your session and your practitioner, then message us on WhatsApp to book.
WhatsApp To BookAphrodite Studios is a private sensual massage studio in Durbanville, Cape Town. Sessions are practitioner-led, by appointment and priced by duration. Not a sexual service. A sensory one.